314-8 slow to start

[csvt99 173]

A little bit ago I had an issue with my 314-8 and I ended up replacing the fuel system and some other things. Post is here Help! 314-8 won't run - Engines - RedSquare Wheel Horse Forum

 

While I got it fixed, I've noticed that it takes at least twice as long to start when cold. It used to turn for 5-6 seconds on a cold start with the choke on before starting. Now it is 10-15 seconds. Not a huge deal, but kind of annoying. Any ideas on what might be causing this? The fuel pump was a direct replacement from Kohler. I did use a clear fuel line, but I'm pretty sure the ID is the same as OEM. Runs completely fine otherwise, and starts up quickly once warm. 

 

Thanks!

[SylvanLakeWH 25,594]

I use an in-line marine bubble to pressurize the line... couple squeezes works like a charm - very quick starts.

 

 

[953 nut 55,279]

10 hours ago, csvt99 said:

Now it is 10-15 seconds. Not a huge deal, but kind of annoying. Any ideas on what might be causing this? The fuel pump was a direct replacement from Kohler.

That is why I have changed most of mine over to an electric fuel pump. There are two check valves in the mechanical pumps and if they are not seating perfectly the fuel will drain back to the tank while sitting. The mechanical pump is above the fuel level in your tank and they are not very good at pulling gas up the fuel line.

Mount the electric fuel pump lower than the fuel tank and connect it to the "ACCESORY" terminal of your ignition switch or any component like the hour meter that is on when the key is in the run position. Fuse the line to the pump at about 5 amps.

[csvt99 173]

So the problem is the new fuel pump? I wonder what would happen if I put the original back on...🤔

[oldlineman 1,481]

Edited April 7, 2023 by oldlineman

[RED-Z06 2,221]

The carb should remain full for weeks between uses, so drainback would only affect a dry start such as running it out of fuel.  Make sure your choke is shutting tightly against the carb body...its crucial to cold starting.

[oldlineman 1,481]

In regards to my electric gas pump, I have since made an improvement to the fuse holder and replaced with a weatherproof one as suggested buy some here, thank you. Bob

[csvt99 173]

2 hours ago, RED-Z06 said:

The carb should remain full for weeks between uses, so drainback would only affect a dry start such as running it out of fuel.  Make sure your choke is shutting tightly against the carb body...its crucial to cold starting.

Here is what it looks like with the choke engaged. It looks closed to me? I may have  another issue with the carb leaking gas but I will start another thread for that. 

 

[RED-Z06 2,221]

So this is a 314-8 with a Command single cylinder?

 

That choke plate fitment looks pretty loose, how does it compare to the original?

[csvt99 173]

14 hours ago, RED-Z06 said:

So this is a 314-8 with a Command single cylinder?

 

That choke plate fitment looks pretty loose, how does it compare to the original?

Yes it is the command single. What do you mean by the original? This is the original carb. I guess I should clarify that I did NOT replace the carb. I just cleaned as much as I could without taking it apart 

[hotajax 223]

On 4/6/2023 at 9:34 PM, SylvanLakeWH said:

I use an in-line marine bubble to pressurize the line... couple squeezes works like a charm - very quick starts.

 

 

So, if you need a part number from Sierra, let me know.  Sierra makes decent quality marine parts, and this solution is ideal, and also my go-to option.  Don't buy garbage, you don't want to start a fire. 

[John c 79]

I had the same problem recently and went with the primer bulb, huge difference, and was easy to install